2015 Jeep Renegade

Pros: Good passenger space (save for rear legroom) and cargo room in a tidy package; solid body structure contributes to good ride quality for the class; distinctive styling; broad range of available technology features and unique equipment

Cons: Road, wind, and engine noise intrude a bit in highway driving; thick roof pillars compromise visibility; automatic transmission is often slow to downshift for more power

CG Says: For 2015, Jeep introduces a new subcompact-sized SUV that revives a model name from the brand’s past. The Renegade is based on the same basic platform as the 2016 Fiat 500X from Jeep’s parent company, but it has more-rugged, “Jeep-esque” styling, higher ground clearance, and the availability of an off-road-capable 4-wheel-drive system. Like its Fiat 500X cousin, the Renegade is built in Italy. Among the available features are heated mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and unique “My Sky” dual removable sunroofs (the forward one being available with a power-sliding feature). Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear-obstacle detection, rear cross-path detection, rearview camera with dynamic grid lines, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning. The Renegade stands out in the fast-growing category of pint-sized SUVs by offering rugged-but-cute Jeep styling and legitimate off-road capabilities (when properly equipped).